Tourists visiting Somerset's most iconic destinations could soon face an extra charge to stay overnight — and many residents say it's about time.

MPs have called for a complete overhaul of England's "unfair and regressive" council tax system, and are pushing for tourist hotspots like Glastonbury and Wells to be given the power to introduce a tourist levy.

It comes as councils across the country struggle to balance the books, with nearly all forced to raise council tax by the maximum 5% last year, and some warning of financial collapse without urgent reform.

The proposal? A small nightly charge for visitors — not just festivalgoers, but the thousands who come to the area for its history, spirituality and high streets — that could go directly towards funding local services.

'We can't keep footing the bill'

Glastonbury might be known around the world for its festival, but it's the year-round tourism that many say is putting the most strain on the town.

Spiritual pilgrims, day-trippers and tour groups flock to the town to climb the Tor, visit the Abbey, shop on the High Street or take in the town's mystical reputation. Meanwhile, locals are left picking up the tab for overflowing bins, worn-out roads, and overstretched public toilets.

"It's great people love coming here," said resident Jade Young. "But we're the ones paying when they leave their rubbish behind."

Somerset Council says it's already spending more than it recovers from tourism. The leader of the council recently told MPs that major events like the festival cost the local authority far more than they bring in. But beyond the festival, Glastonbury's day-to-day tourism also brings real costs — and currently, those costs fall on local taxpayers.

A small tax, a big difference

Under the plan being considered, local councils would be able to introduce a visitor levy — a small extra charge on overnight stays. Similar schemes are already in place across Europe and are being rolled out in Scotland and Wales.

It would apply to hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and crucially, Airbnbs — many of which are snapped up by visitors looking for a "mystical retreat" in Glastonbury or a city break in Wells.

In Edinburgh, where a 5% visitor levy is due to begin in 2026, the city expects to raise millions every year to help fund public services, preserve heritage, and invest in infrastructure. Wales is planning a flat-rate tax of £1.30 per night from 2027.

Back in Somerset, supporters say a similar charge could bring in much-needed funds to pay for extra bin collections, maintain footpaths, improve public toilets and support local amenities used by both residents and visitors.

One Wells resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "If every tourist gave just a pound a night, that could mean better facilities for everyone. Why should we be covering the costs when we're already being squeezed?"

Airbnb boom adds fuel to the fire

One of the biggest flashpoints in Glastonbury's housing crisis is the explosion of short-term holiday lets.

There are now around 145 entire homes and flats listed on Airbnb in Glastonbury — plus more than 130 private rooms. That's over 7% of all homes in the town now operating as short-term rentals.

Locals say this is pricing them out of the market, reducing available housing, and pushing people into roadside living or homelessness. One support worker recently warned: "When you take even 100 homes out of a small town, that's 100 families now looking — often with nowhere to go."

Meanwhile, hosts are earning solid income — some properties bring in an estimated £25,000–£30,000 a year, with average daily rates around £249.

Campaigners argue that at the very least, Airbnb should be included in any tourist tax scheme. "There's hardly anywhere to rent in town now," said one resident. "And when they're making money off tourists, the least they can do is help pay to keep the place running."

Including short-term lets in the tax would ensure a level playing field and bring in substantial revenue — while helping fund waste collection, road repairs, and even housing support for those affected by the growing rental crisis.

Bath joins the call for action

Now neighbouring authorities are adding their voices to the campaign.

Earlier this month, Bath and North East Somerset Council voted unanimously in support of being able to introduce a tourist tax.

Although English councils don't currently have the power, Bath's Lib Dem council leader Kevin Guy has written to Deputy PM Angela Rayner alongside Cambridge's city leader, calling for historic English cities to be allowed to follow Wales and Scotland's lead.

Speaking at the 17 July council meeting, Mr Guy said: "We are not acting alone and all we are asking is for the government to give us a fair deal — because at the moment, English cities are being short changed."

The motion's proposer, Cllr Michelle Doherty, pointed out that Bath attracts six million visitors a year, brings in £500 million for the local economy, and supports 8,000 jobs — but the pressure on services is growing.

"This motion is not about discouraging tourism," she said. "We really value our visitors and we want them to continue coming. But like many European cities, we think visitors should make a small contribution towards the cost of keeping our city clean and safe and welcoming."

Pushback from Westminster

Not everyone is on board. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has reportedly backed the idea of a tourist tax, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves is said to have blocked the move, fearing it could hurt the hospitality sector.

Some in the industry have warned it could put off visitors — but councils in other parts of the UK say that hasn't happened elsewhere.

"We've looked at places like Paris and Rome and it hasn't reduced tourism one bit. If anything, it helps make the place better for everyone," said Councillor Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh City Council, which will introduce a tourist tax in 2026.

'Not just fair — necessary'

Glastonbury and Wells are far from alone in facing the pressures of high visitor numbers and crumbling services. But with councils under strain and residents facing rising bills, many say a small tourist tax is not just fair — it's necessary.